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GKN Aerospace, BAE Systems, Navitus Bay Development and Vestas are among the big name companies that will support a new Island school, which hopes to produce the business leaders of the future.

The Studio School is set to open in September at the former East Cowes Primary School site, specialising in marine manufacturing and offshore energy.

Alongside their GCSEs, students will have the opportunity to work on projects with the school’s business partners.

Headteacher Richard White, currently deputy head at Weston Favell Academy, Northampton, said he was sure the school would be a success.

"Providing business experience is at the heart of the studio school. It’s less about being a specialist school, more about offering a different learning experience for ambitious youngsters. Developing their employability skills is a big part of our curriculum," he said.

With other new schools set to open on the Island — the classically academic Free School and the Sylvan School, with its emphasis on alternative outdoor learning — parents will have more choice than ever for their children.

IW Council bosses have warned a secondary school may have to close in the coming years due to a surplus of places.

"We are competing against one another. But I think parents welcome the choice and they are canny enough to know what they want," said Mr White.

A keen sailor, Mr White, 52, said he was looking forward to moving to the Island with his wife.

The Studio School will hold an open evening at Osborne House on March 25, at 6pm. Entitled Our Island in 2024 — where will the new jobs be there will be speakers from GKN, BAE and Inflight Peripherals.